California Air Resources Board

Beginning January 1, 2020, the Regulation will be enforced through a new automatic process. Legislation passed in 2017, requires that the California Department of Motor Vehicles(DMV) check that vehicles are compliant with, or exempt from, the Regulation. If a vehicle is not compliant with the rule, DMV can no longer register that vehicle. The new DMV compliance verification process will better enforce the Regulation, protect public health and level the playing field for businesses throughout California.

When non-compliant vehicle owners receive their registration renewal notices from DMV, it will include a warning stating that the vehicle is CARB Non-Compliant. If the vehicle is not compliant, the vehicle owner may be able to pay the registration fee to receive a 90-day Temporary Operating Permit (TOP) from DMV. The 90-day period starts on the day the current vehicle registration expires. While the vehicle owner can drive during this period, the vehicle is still not compliant with CARB’s Truck & Bus Regulation and could still be cited. The TOP is not a compliance extension; CARB considers a TOP permit the final opportunity to either demonstrate or achieve compliance with the Truck & Bus Regulation.

The Truck and Bus Regulation is California law. CARB’s staff, management, executive officers, and board members are all bound by the requirements of the regulation and do not have the authority to offer any additional extensions or exceptions not already provided for in the law.

More Information
Frequently Asked Questions
DMV Registration Renewal Notice FAQ
Check Engine Compliance